In 1925 Gibson introduced the flange and resonator arrangement
which is still used in their banjos today. This year also saw the introduction of
the "Mastertone" designation for the higher-end banjo models which featured
Gibson's new ball-bearing tone ring.

The least expensive
Gibson Mastertone banjo, style 3, was also the most popular.
This example is a rare original five-string RB-3.
In most respects it conforms to standard
specifications for this model at the time with a dark-stained maple neck and resonator, a two-piece flange, a grooved
tension hoop with flat hooks, nickel plating, a Presto tailpiece, a fiddle-shaped
peghead, and a
Brazilian rosewood fingerboard with diamonds and
squares inlays. Although most
style 3 banjos from this period had
single white binding only on the back of the resonator, this instrument has
binding on both resonator edges. The tailpiece on this example is a
replacement prewar Presto and the original tuners have been put in storage and
replaced with modern tuners for ease of use. The banjo retains its
original case.

In 1925 only, the Mastertone
designation was inlaid on the
peghead, under the Gibson logo, rather than in a
block on the fingerboard. Another feature unique to
that year is the presence of holes in the outer skirt of the ball-bearing tone
ring.